Breast Engorgement Relief
It Works!

Breast engorgement is the most common problem for new mothers breastfeeding and it is one breastfeeding problem I have experienced with every one of our children. I have had engorgement of the breasts from bearable levels to intensely painful even fearing that mastitis might develop. I would like to share with you early self-diagnosis, signs, symptoms and proper treatment for relief, keep in mind engorgement can last a day or two.

These tips are to help you get relief quickly from swollen breasts and sore breasts, and to avoid further complications just as it has worked for me.

Causes, Signs & Symptoms

• engorgement signs can include sensations of heaviness & fullness in your breasts
• swelling in the breasts can result from a normal increase in blood flow to the area combined with insufficient emptying of the breast
• swelling can also occur when your baby does not properly empty your breast or misses a feeding
• your breasts may be producing too much milk and become hard, swollen, warm & sore

Prevention & Treatment

• prevent engorgement by promoting good milk drainage
• immediately after delivery put baby to breast & feed frequently every 1-2 hours
• stroke your breasts gently but firmly toward the nipple while your baby is feeding
• each feeding should be done from both breasts
• if your baby does not nurse long enough to relieve your breasts, you will need to manually express your milk at the end of the feeding until the flow stops
• if your baby is lazy or sleepy--you need to wake them up
• before feeding, put on a warm compress & drink a warm tea drink
• a hot drink & applying heat to your breast before feeding allows heat to stimulate blood flow

When your milk first comes in, it will take a little time for you to achieve a balance. Be patient and really work your breast to help the milk flow and empty out of your breasts with each feeding. Breast engorgement can develop into a very dangerous condition called mastitis, which is something you really don't want to have.

The bond being built with your baby is well worth the extra effort and care that we will need to take when breastfeeding. I know you can do it.

Exercise caution and have your doctor or midwife directly examine any concerns you might have.

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